In addition to the two institutions, this event was also accompanied by a discussion with BAPETEN and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Present at this activity were the Director of Nuclear Facility Management (DPFK) of BRIN, Muhammad Subekti, and the Director of B3 and Non-B3 Waste Management of KLHK, Achmad Gunawan.

The presence of KLHK at this meeting is expected to open up opportunities for cooperation in the field of environmental remediation, in addition to the scope of decommissioning. According to Gloria, the IAEA is very open to opportunities for cooperation in the field of environmental remediation.

"In this case, environmental remediation is indeed full of challenges because each problem is unique. In environmental remediation, there is no single answer concept for all of these things," said Gloria.

In its presentation, BRIN explained the current conditions, various advances, and obstacles at the G.A. Siwabessy Serpong Multipurpose Reactor (IRSG), the Radioactive Waste Management Installation (IPLR), and Building 10, a former radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical production facility. The meeting, organized by the Centre for the Regulatory Assessment of Nuclear Installation and Materials (P2STPIBN) BAPETEN, specifically identified various opportunities for collaboration. This presentation is also important as a provision for Gloria's field visit, which will be held the next day on November 13, 2024.

At the end of this meeting, the meeting participants agreed to further explore the possibility of collaboration for topics such as technical solution formulation for Building 10, CRP for decommissioning supervision, IPLR development, and specific matters for environmental remediation related to natural radioactivity (NORM) or associated radioactive minerals (Mineral Ikutan Radioaktif or MIR) from general mining and oil and gas.

On November 13, 2024, Gloria, accompanied by the Head of P2STPIBN BAPETEN, Judi Pramono, and related BAPETEN staff, conducted a field visit that was welcomed by the IRSG and IPLR and continued by providing detailed explanations of each facility. Also present during the visit was the Director of PT INUKI, namely R. Herry, who previously operated Building 10.

At the end of her working visit, Gloria said that the visit on November 11-13 to BAPETEN and BRIN had provided valuable insight for the IAEA regarding Indonesia's commitment to the safe decommissioning of inactive nuclear facilities as part of BRIN's strategic alignment with its future research objectives. “This decommissioning initiative not only seeks to eliminate potential radiation hazards but also supports Indonesia’s broader goal of modernizing its research infrastructure while prioritizing public and environmental safety,” she said.

Gloria added that achieving this goal requires strict compliance with BAPETEN regulations, which, along with international guidelines, set a strict framework for decommissioning. She also said that this framework is designed to safeguard public health and the environment by reducing the risks associated with residual radiation.

“A thorough radiological survey of the contaminated facility is a critical first step. This survey will provide an in-depth assessment of the extent of contamination, with a particular focus on high-risk areas where radioactive materials have historically been processed or stored. By determining the exact location and intensity of contamination, this assessment will enable a targeted decontamination strategy and ensure that all radioactive materials are managed safely,” she said.

In closing, Gloria said that the IAEA can offer technical support and guidance as Indonesia progresses in its decommissioning efforts, namely by providing expertise and resources to support each stage. "This partnership will help ensure that decommissioning activities comply with international best practices, strengthening Indonesia's commitment to the safe and responsible management of its nuclear facilities," she concluded. Thus, now is the right time for all parties (BAPETEN, BRIN, and KLHK) to coordinate, both internally and nationally, to welcome the cooperation opportunities offered by the IAEA. [P2STPIBN/Anggoro/BHKK/Da/Translator: GP]